New Circa Sportsbook
The casino and most of the amenities at Circa Resort and Casino in Las Vegas just opened in late October. It’s rare that any business opens and impresses as much as the hype. Circa does that and then some. The property will be fully complete when the hotel opens in late December.
Circa is a different property for the downtown Las Vegas market. To start, the property is the first new casino build from the ground up in downtown Las Vegas since 1980. Circa is the second-tallest building in this part of town. The property occupies an entire city block of the Fremont Street Experience.
Circa is the product of downtown Las Vegas casino operator Derek Stevens. He also owns The D Las Vegas and Golden Gate casinos. The latter is across the street from Circa. There are concepts from both of those properties throughout Circa.
Wednesday is the official opening of the new Circa Casino in downtown Las Vegas. After originally launching a sportsbook at the Golden Gate and the D Las Vegas in June 2019, Derek Stevens had his eye on something bigger to attract sports bettors to come to get action at his sportsbook. Welcome to the New Circa Las Vegas Sportsbook. As the new screens go up at Circa and the new employees are hired, it’s hard not to feel like we are on the cusp of really building something special. We don’t take lightly that with every day we are open people’s expectations of us rise, and we promise to do our best to not disappoint.
Since this casino was built from the ground up, Stevens was able to create a unique property for downtown Las Vegas. Circa is a 1.25 million-square-foot, adults-only property. While Circa is modern, it pays homage to old Las Vegas.
This isn’t intended to be another value property in “Old Vegas.” This is a shiny, brand-new casino inside and out. Visitors can see that from the moment they walk into Circa from the Fremont Street Experience entrance with the massive MEGA BAR that has 53 video poker machines, 46 TVs and more than 100 beer taps.
There’s a vintage yet modern design aesthetic throughout Circa. Much like Stevens’ other properties, there’s classic old-school Vegas hospitality that he’s so fond of. At the same time, there are modern touches throughout the property.
The innovation goes outside of the property as well. The fifth-floor rooftop pool deck called Stadium Swim is by far the largest, most indulgent pool complex in downtown Las Vegas. Circa is full of interesting elements both inside and out.
Circa has the world’s largest sportsbook
As mentioned, Circa occupies an entire block of the Fremont Street Experience. Much of the casino occupies the land that was once home to Las Vegas Club casino. This was a sports-inspired casino with a giant statue of a baseball player above the main entrance. Circa pays homage to that history with an enormous sportsbook that is bound to be a destination for sports fans and bettors visiting Las Vegas.
The “World’s Largest Sportsbook” is the centerpiece of the property. The multilevel sportsbook has 350 seats with a total capacity of 1,000. Additional guests can watch the action from the video poker machines or bars and restaurants that surround the different levels of the Circa Sports sportsbook.
There are other large sportsbooks in Las Vegas, but the layout and seating options are different at Circa. The three-story video screen and stadium seating make this is a unique venue in which to wager and watch the games. Guests who don’t walk into the main sportsbook can wager at a kiosk or satellite sports betting station on the second level. Even better, guests can watch the games on a massive screen outside on the pool deck.
Stadium Swim
Stadium Swim is probably the second most popular venue at Circa. It’s very rare that any element inside of a casino can match the renderings and preopening hype. However, Stadium Swim and the sportsbook do just that. In fact, they exceed expectations.
The Stadium Swim pool complex is open 365 days a year. The six pools are temperature-controlled for taking a dip during the cooler temperatures. When operating on all cylinders, Stadium Swim has a combination of features not found at any other pool complex in Las Vegas. Highlights include:
- Two swim-up bars inside the pools
- Two large bars featuring frozen cocktails
- A performance stage
- A DJ booth
- A covered gambling space featuring a handful of table games
- Special menus from some restaurants on-site
- A 143 x 40-foot video screen that dwarfs most casino sportsbooks
- 30 cabanas, including one that holds 50 people
- Cutting-edge cleaning tech like ultraviolet light sanitation and the fastest water-recirculation patterns in Las Vegas
The overall pool concept is unique and has great views from above the Fremont Street Experience. It takes a 90-second ride up a three-story escalator to reach the Stadium Swim. The ride itself is somewhat of an experience, as there’s nothing else like it in Las Vegas.
The pool complex isn’t just unique for downtown Las Vegas. The multipurpose pool venue is different for all casinos in Sin City. Sports fans will love Stadium Swim as one of the best outdoor environments to watch the games in Las Vegas.
New tech everywhere you look
Appropriate in the age of the COVID-19 pandemic, Stadium Swim at Circa features new pool cleaning technology that won’t be found at other Las Vegas properties. The sportsbook TV screen is so high tech that it takes 10 people to operate. The new tech doesn’t stop at the featured parts of the property.
The casino floor (above) has an air filtration system only found at one other casino in Las Vegas. The air inside Circa blows up toward the ceiling instead of down from the top of each floor. This should provide cleaner air with less smoke than at other properties. It certainly feels that way at Aria, which is the only other property in Las Vegas with this system.
Circa has some new, but not exclusive, technology on the gaming floor. Just like its sister property, The D, Circa offers cashless gaming at the tables. Guests can use a point-of-service machine to get money for new chips without walking over to an ATM.
Another relatively new piece of tech on the casino floor is kiosks that allow guests to sign up for The One players club or reprint an old card. A few properties in Las Vegas use this technology already. However, this is a very convenient product. It should be available at all casinos eventually.
The hotel at Circa opens in December and will offer similar contactless technology to that used at the larger casinos on the Vegas Strip. This includes mobile check-in and mobile room keys. All of this new technology will help Circa stand out from the competition in downtown Las Vegas.
Lego Art Gallery
The Chris Ihle Art Gallery is one of the least publicized venues inside Circa. The gallery produces and displays life-size Lego statues. The centerpiece of the small gallery is currently a statue of Stevens and a dancing dealer. The statue is so detailed that it has Stevens’ favorite drink in hand, with just enough clear bricks to emulate ice cubes.
The gallery continues to produce statues of celebrities, like Las Vegas Golden Knights player Marc-Andre Fleury. But famous people aren’t the only subject of the Chris Ihle art gallery. There were smaller but still life-sized Lego animals on display in the gallery when Circa first opened to the public.
This gallery isn’t just for showpieces. Visitors can commission Ihle to create a statue of their loved ones or pets. All the gallery needs is a photo of the subject, and they can build pretty much anything. It isn’t cheap, but the unique custom-created statues can be purchased — for $10,000-$15,000 and up. Prices will vary by the amount of time it takes to create a statue.
Instagram-worthy photo ops
Most of the downtown Las Vegas casinos were built many years ago. While a makeover can create a more modern property, there’s nothing like building a casino from scratch. Circa has a lot of different design elements and art everywhere. There seems to be an Instagram-worthy photo opportunity every 10 feet.
The lobby bar is named after and features the iconic neon kicking cowgirl Vegas Vickie. This is probably the most recognizable art piece at Circa but it’s just one item. Guests entering the property from the garage will see a massive chandelier with the unofficial motto for the casino: “The Time Of Your Life.” Yes, people will take pics for the ‘gram in a parking garage — it’s that cool.
Garage Mahal @CircaLasVegaspic.twitter.com/4SJGe6TwPS
— Marc (@MeltzVegas) October 27, 2020
Downstairs at Barry’s Downtown Prime, steakhouse guests will see a variety of designs for different parts of the restaurant. A semiprivate room has two cow heads flanking a steak cooler. Another section has faux trees. There’s an art deco-inspired space in between those parts of the restaurant.
There are subtle and not-so-subtle pieces of art located everywhere inside Circa, including outside on the rooftop pool deck.
Meat eater’s paradise at Barry’s
Most of the casinos in downtown Las Vegas are small because they’re inside old buildings. Dining options are often limited unless you’re at the Golden Nugget, which happens to be owned by Tilman Fertitta, who also owns the Landry’s restaurant chain.
Circa is a large casino and brings plenty of new, shiny dining options to the table. Many of these will appeal specifically to carnivores:
- Barry’s Downtown Prime (steak)
- 8 East (Asian)
- Saginaw’s Deli (24-hour cafe)
- Project BBQ (BBQ)
- Victory Burger & Wings (burgers)
Circa is a haven for meat eaters in downtown Las Vegas. Guests can find lighter fare in the special menus offered by various restaurants at Stadium Swim. Project BBQ offers a feast for a crew of sports fans looking for an over-the-top experience. They will deliver a whole pig to a table inside the sportsbook. Yes, of course, there are sparklers so everyone can follow the pig to its destination.
One tequila, two tequila, three tequila, floor
Circa has more bars than anyone could think a single casino in downtown Las Vegas would need. There’s almost always a bar within an eyeshot from any part of Circa. Before even entering the casino, guests will see Circa Bar, the longest outdoor bar on Fremont Street.
Just steps inside the casino, guests will have to pass by MEGA BAR. Nevada’s longest indoor bar is 165 feet long. It’s longer than Longbar at The D. MEGA BAR has 120 beer taps, 46 stacked TVs and 53 video poker machines. Its largess is indicative of what guests will experience at Circa.
Vegas Vickie’s is the lobby bar located near the hotel part of Circa. Overhang Bar looks out on the massive sportsbook while being slightly removed from the action.
Legacy Club is located on the 35th floor of the hotel and will open in December. The rooftop lounge will have some of the best views in downtown Las Vegas.
The bars continue outside at Stadium Swim. There are four bars with plenty of frozen drink options.
Viva Las Vegas!
Vegas’ First Adults-only Resort Debuts World’s Largest Sportsbook, Year-Round Pool Amphitheater, High-Tech Transportation Hub and More
Photos Courtesy of Circa Resort & Casino
Circa Resort & Casino, downtown Las Vegas’ first resort-casino built from the ground up in four decades, is now open. The 1.25 million-square-foot, the adults-only property pays homage to Vegas’ Golden Era through vintage design, old-school hospitality and nods to the city’s history while introducing high-tech advancements and cutting-edge amenities.
Las Vegas pioneers and executives joined to celebrate the first roll of the dice at Circa including Ryan Growney/South Point Hotel & Casino, Jonathan Jossel/The Plaza Las Vegas, Scott Sibella/Resorts World Las Vegas, Andy Abboud/ Venetian Resort Hotel Casino, Chris Latil/Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino, Terry Caudill/TLC Casino Enterprises, Mike Nolan/El Cortez Hotel and Casino, and Brendan Gaughan/grandson of Jackie Gaughan.
Conceived by developer and CEO Derek Stevens, Circa’s opening marks a series of firsts and achievements for Las Vegas:
• One of the most ambitious projects in downtown Las Vegas’ 115-year history and the area’s first resort-casino built from the ground up in four decades.
• World’s largest sportsbook with a 78-million-pixel screen viewable to up to 1,000 people
• Vegas’ first adults-only resort
• Country’s largest destination pool experience for sports fans, open 365 days a year with a 14-million-pixel screen
• New-to-Vegas food & beverage concepts by renowned chefs and restaurateurs from across the country
• Nevada’s longest indoor bar spanning 165 feet
• First Las Vegas resort with a fully integrated rideshare hub
Hours before the official opening, Stevens hosted an intimate black-tie gala at the property. Las Vegas founding families and current casino operators gathered for the first roll of the dice on Circa’s casino floor, including Ryan Growney, General Manager of South Point Hotel & Casino; Jonathan Jossel, CEO of The Plaza Las Vegas; Scott Sibella, President of Resorts World Las Vegas; Andy Abboud, Senior Vice President of Government Relations and Community Development for the Venetian Resort Hotel Casino and the Las Vegas Sands Corporation; Chris Latil, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino; Terry Caudill, owner of TLC Casino Enterprises, Inc.; Mike Nolan, General Manager and COO of El Cortez Hotel and Casino; and Brendan Gaughan, grandson of Jackie Gaughan.
“For the past five years, the Circa team and our partners have been devoted to introducing a resort and casino experience that brings something totally new to Vegas, and in some cases, the country,” said Stevens. “I will be the first to admit that 2020 has not been easy, but this talented group persevered and has delivered on this vision, 8 weeks early. I’m incredibly proud to be putting 1,500 people to work and that our doors are finally open for all to visit Circa.”
A Glimpse into Circa
• World’s Largest Sportsbook – Circa Sports is the resort’s centerpiece, boasting a 78-million-pixel high-definition screen capable of playing up to 19 games at once. The three-story, stadium-style venue is helmed by the country’s top betting experts delivering Vegas’ most diverse wagering menu. With a viewing capacity of up to 1,000, fans can reserve plush accommodations such as reclining seats or booths for large groups; all are equipped with power outlets, Wi-Fi and tables. VSiN, The Sports Betting Network (VSiN), has an on-site studio within the sportsbook, giving bettors in-depth expert analysis daily from broadcasters, athletes and industry professionals. A Circa Sports satellite location is positioned next to the entrance of Garage Mahal, offering one of the most accessible betting locations in Las Vegas. When it’s time for a bite, guests can have food from a selection of Circa’s restaurants delivered directly to their seat.
• Stadium Swim – The country’s largest pool destination for sports lovers brings the party 365 days a year. Featuring six temperature-controlled pools, two swim-up bars and a 143 x 40 foot, 14-million-megapixel LED screen, the pool amphitheater plays the day’s hottest games and televised events. Guests can enjoy live music from DJs and other special guests in one of 30 cabanas, or a super cabana hosting up to 50. During colder weather, Stadium Swim’s pools will be heated to up to 104 degrees for an
après-ski style experience. Designed with one of the country’s most high-tech cleaning systems, Stadium Swim features advanced Ultraviolet Light sanitation, the city’s fastest water-recirculation patterns, and sophisticated and real-time chemical monitoring controllers that destroy pathogens, bacteria, viruses, organic and inorganic contaminants, while greatly reducing chlorine use.
• Vegas Vickie Returns – Tall, blonde and kickin’ – the famous neon sign Vegas Vickie has found her new home at Circa as a must-see art installation in Circa’s hotel lobby. Originally appearing in 1980, she became a landmark on the Fremont Street Experience. With the goal of uniting old and new Vegas in never-before-seen ways, Stevens acquired the sign in 2016 with the intent to give Vickie a new home at Circa. After undergoing a complete refurbishment by YESCO and designer Adolfo Gonzalez – including replacing the mechanism in her knee – the 25 ft. Vegas icon has made a grand return to her rightful place in downtown Las Vegas and is kicking yet again.
• Original Restaurant Concepts
Barry’s Downtown Prime – Glitz, glam and throwback vibes define Circa’s steakhouse – Barry’s Downtown Prime – from Vegas’ own Chef Barry S. Dakake and his team at Make It Happen Hospitality. With a menu comprising the finest steaks and seafood, an extensive list of tableside preparations and creative cocktails, Barry’s transports patrons back to the classic cool of the 50s and 60s. The restaurant features dazzling art by more than 40 local artists, eight distinct dining rooms and 3,200 square feet of private and semi-private areas.
Saginaw’s Delicatessen – Legendary Michigan restaurateur Paul Saginaw has opened his first concept outside of Detroit with Saginaw’s Delicatessen. Renowned for Ann Arbor’s staple Zingerman’s Deli, Saginaw’s new concept introduces his undeniable charm to downtown Las Vegas. Saginaw’s menu consists of his legendary sandwiches – so big two hands are needed to eat them – matzo ball soup, onion rings, salads, latkes, chopped liver and breakfast specialties. Saginaw’s is the new home to Golden Gate’s beloved Las Vegas shrimp cocktail, which will be sold at its original price of 99 cents from 3 – 5 a.m. daily.
8 East – A Pan-Asian restaurant from Chef Dan Coughlin of downtown Las Vegas’ Le Thai, 8 East brings a hip atmosphere and communal dining to Circa’s casino floor. Spanning cuisines inspired by Coughlin’s youth and travels throughout Asia, 8 East offers small plates and shareable dishes with Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Thai and Korean influences. Guests will not want to miss its signature dumplings, skewers, noodles and more, paired with hard-to-find Japanese and Indian whiskies, and unique libations.
Victory Burger & Wings Co. – Created by the founding family of Detroit’s 103-year-old American Coney Island, Victory Burger & Wings Co. is Circa’s all-star sports bar. Overseen by siblings Grace Keros and Chris Sotiropoulos, the restaurant features massive burgers made with a proprietary blend of Angus beef, short ribs and brisket; hearty wings; crispy fries; house made sauces; onion rings; and nostalgic milkshakes made with Captain Crunch Berries, Chocolate Cocoa Puffs and Cinnamon Toast Crunch. The open concept overlooks Circa’s sportsbook and its massive screen, so diners can hear the crowd roar during big games. Victory Burger features an on-site broadcast studio, hosting top broadcasters and podcasts from across the country.
New Circa Sportsbook Poker
Project BBQ – Offering a Southern festival of gourmet smoked meats, Project BBQ at Circa is Fremont Street Experience’s only permanent food truck and its first Carolina BBQ joint. Chef Rex Bernales serves mouth-watering pulled brisket, pork and chicken – including tacos and empanadas – and ups the ante with his two-foot long $100 Sandwich and Hogstravaganza platter, featuring a full barbecued pig delivered with signature Vegas fan fair. Situated on Circa’s exterior, Project BBQ spills out onto the Fremont Street Experience with a built-in “backyard” for communal gathering. Guests can dine as they enjoy spectacular light shows from Viva Vision overhead and live music from surrounding concert stages.
•Bars and Lounges
Vegas Vickie’s – A prime place to catch Vegas Vickie in action, the cowgirl’s namesake cocktail lounge is an elevated lobby bar experience. The Art Deco space features a menu of classic cocktails that pay tribute to Vegas’ past, including a drink named after Vegas Vickie herself.
MEGA BAR – Spanning an impressive 165 ft. with 120 beers on tap, MEGA BAR is Nevada’s longest indoor bar. Inspired by its sister concept, LONGBAR at the D Las Vegas, guests can catch every second of game day on one of its 46 double-stacked TVs or join the gaming action at 53 bar-top table games – all while talented flair bartenders send bottles flying through the air.
Circa Bar – Located directly on Fremont Street Experience beneath the world-famous Viva Vision light show, Circa Bar is home to both dancing and flair bartenders who serve up 24 frozen cocktail flavors. Guests also can purchase souvenir glasses designed to look like Circa’s tower and Vegas Vickie.
Overhang Bar – Positioned above Circa’s multi-level sportsbook and open 24/7, Overhang Bar gives guests a bird’s eye view of the book’s giant screen. Drawing inspiration from the former Detroit Tigers stadium’s private overhang section, the space includes a ledge lined with poker machines.
Jack Pots – Created by renowned restaurateur Paul Saginaw and acclaimed coffee roaster Steve Mangigian, Jack Pots is Circa’s 24-hour coffee shop. The space serves Michigan’s own Zingerman’s coffee and sells one of the two custom coffee blends created exclusively for Circa. Guests can choose from a variety of delicious coffee drinks, as well as freshly made breakfast items, sandwiches and salads.
• Casino – Spanning two stories and 8,002 square feet of gaming space, Circa’s high-energy casino houses 1,350 top-of-the-line slots, with downtown Las Vegas’ famous Dancing Dealers presiding over 49 table games. Guests can travel back in time in its intimate, high-limit gaming lounges featuring Art Deco design paired with gold and deep red accents.
• Chris Ihle Studio – Brick artist Chris Ihle has debuted his first working studio on Circa’s casino floor. Using toy bricks to create life-size works of people, animals and more, Ihle’s studio includes a whimsical interpretation of CEO Derek Stevens amongst other notable figures. For the ultimate gift, visitors can commission Ihle to create a statue of their loved ones or pets.
•Retail – Designed by Marshall Retail Group, guests can purchase Circa essentials at retail venues, Circa Collections and Fuel, offering guests a selection of apparel, souvenirs, indulgent treats and more.
•Garage Mahal – With eight stories and 982 parking spaces, Garage Mahal is Circa’s transportation hub and Vegas’ first fully integrated structure built with ridesharing in mind. With a focus on safety and cleanliness, Garage Mahal is the lightest and brightest garage in the city with extensive LED lighting, and also features broadband Wi-Fi, state-of-the-art surveillance and an air-conditioned bridge connecting to Circa’s second-floor casino. Upon arrival, guests are immersed in three Vegas-inspired murals by Eric Vozolla and a 22-ft chandelier by Egads illuminated with Circa’s tagline “Time of Your Life.”
Circa Sportsbook Pool
For more information, visit circalasvegas.com.